Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries require superior medical care to prevent paralysis and other serious health complications. The skilled medical team at the Brain and Spine Center of South Florida specializes in diagnosing and treating traumatic and nontraumatic spinal cord injuries. They offer customized care plans to treat your spinal cord injury and protect the long-term function of your central nervous system. Call the office in Palm Beach Gardens or Delray Beach, Florida, to learn more about available treatments for spinal cord injuries or book an appointment online today. 

What are spinal cord injuries?

Your spinal cord is part of your central nervous system and made of soft tissues and nerves. The cord extends from the base of your brain down into your lower back and stops just above your waist.

Spinal cord injuries describe damage to any part of your spinal cord, which can lead to dysfunction in many parts of your body. These injuries can result from unexpected trauma or a range of spine conditions.

Traumatic spinal cord injuries

Traumatic injuries of the spinal cord develop from sudden blows to your spine. Traumatic events can include a gunshot wound, car accident, serious fall, or physical violence.

Nontraumatic spinal cord injuries

Nontraumatic injuries that can damage your spinal cord include underlying medical conditions like infections, arthritis, cancer, or degenerative disc disease.

The Brain and Spine Center of South Florida offers diagnostic testing and treatment services for both traumatic and nontraumatic spinal cord injuries.

When should I seek medical care for spinal cord injuries?

If you have extreme back or head pain, paralysis, or loss of bowel or bladder control after an accident, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital or call 911.

The Brain and Spine Center of South Florida medical team also recommends that you schedule a diagnostic evaluation in-office if you experience head or neck trauma that causes symptoms like:

• Weakness
• Numbness
• Loss of balance
• Burning or stinging in your spine
• Changes in your sense of touch

In some cases, a spinal cord injury may not cause symptoms right away. Without an evaluation soon after head or spine trauma, an undiagnosed spinal cord injury can worsen and lead to more serious complications.

How are spinal cord injuries treated?

Emergency treatment of spinal cord injuries typically involves care in the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) for ongoing treatment.

While it’s not possible to reverse damage in your spinal cord, the team focuses on relieving your symptoms and preventing further injuries using strategies like:

Immobilization

Wearing collars or braces minimize movements in the spine that can lead to further injuries. You may also need to be sedated for some time, so your spine can heal.

Surgery

Traumatic injuries to the spine may require surgery to remove bone fragments or herniated discs. You may also need spinal fusion surgery to improve the stability of your spine.

Call the Brain and Spine Center of South Florida office near you to learn more about available treatments for spinal cord injuries or book an appointment online today.